Donald Trump has decided to dispatch a key official to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to salvage his proposed peace agreement for Ukraine. Trump, posting on the Truth Social platform, asserted that his strategy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine has been refined and disclosed that US envoy Steve Witkoff would engage in discussions with Putin in Moscow. In parallel, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is set to convene with Ukrainian authorities. Trump hinted at the possibility of meeting with both Putin and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in person once substantial progress is achieved in negotiations.
Expressing his intentions on Truth Social, Trump stated, “To advance this Peace Plan, I have tasked my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow, and simultaneously, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will confer with the Ukrainians.” He further mentioned that he would be briefed on the advancements by several key officials, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Trump emphasized that any potential meeting with Zelensky and Putin would only occur when the deal to end the conflict reaches its final stages.
Following discussions between Mr. Driscoll and Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi, sources indicated positive progress in the talks. The Ukrainian delegation reportedly reached an agreement with the United States over the terms of a prospective peace deal, with Trump noting minor remaining points of contention.
While the initial peace proposals from the White House faced opposition from Britain and European allies, who criticized the requirement for Ukraine to concede territory to Russia and limit its military capabilities, Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed optimism regarding ceasefire negotiations in Ukraine. Starmer, involved in talks with leaders of Ukraine’s allies, highlighted positive developments and constructive changes proposed by Ukraine, supported by European national security advisers. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the positive direction of the discussions and the willingness of all parties to work towards a lasting peace agreement.